End-of-summer storms might bring relief from the heat, but their extreme weather can also cause damage to homes. There are several ways that homeowners can help prepare their home’s for late-season summer storms.
Make Sure Your Home’s Exterior is Up to the Task
Heavy rain can cause severe damage to a home. Other factors such as wind or falling tree branches could also lead to roofing or siding damage. Fixing loose, broken or missing shingles, and repairing cracked siding is a no-brainer when it comes to preventing water damage. Remember to check for cracked or leaky windows, as these can also let water in, potentially causing mold or other damage. Prevent water damage by addressing existing and potential leaks before they cause can extensive damage.
Protect Your Home from Power Outages and Flooding
According to NOAA, Maryland experiences 78,633 lightning strikes each year.
Making sure your home is ready for both a power surge and a potential loss of power is essential to minimizing the risk that lightning poses to your home.
Flood-preventing sump pumps cannot work if there is no electricity due to a power outage. If your home relies on a sump pump to stay dry, an emergency backup generator can help ensure that your sump pump and other essential home systems can stay functional.
Power strips may protect some electronics in your home from power surges, but consider a whole-house approach to surge protection with SurgeGuard®. SurgeGuard® is installed on your electric meter, and can handle surges up to 100 times greater than those handled by most outlet protectors. Unlike surge strips, SurgeGuard is designed to help stop surges before they enter your home. By stopping an electrical surge at the meter, you can safeguard all of the sensitive appliances and electronics in your home with the best surge protection available.
Maximize Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
Before the storms roll in and the windows close, don’t forget to take your home’s indoor air quality into consideration. According to the EPA, indoor concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.
Remember to regularly replace your air filters to help stay healthy, and help your HVAC system to be more efficient. Find out how to get your first one free!
It’s also important to have your air conditioning and heating systems inspected annually and given a thorough efficiency tune-up. Maximizing your system’s efficiency can help you control energy usage all season long, and maximize the life of your unit.
A little preparation before the next end-of-summer storm hits can give you peace of mind. BGE HOME is committed to making your home more comfortable, and would be happy to help you address any concerns. For more information, contact us to speak with a Home Comfort Specialist today!
